Just one day before he was reportedly scheduled to get married, Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey was officially charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the United Kingdom. The timing of these developments has shocked both the sporting community and the public, especially given the serious nature of the allegations and the long-running investigation behind them.
Charges Filed After Lengthy Investigation
On Friday, July 4, 2025, the CPS announced that Thomas Partey now faces a total of six criminal charges: five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. These charges stem from complaints made by three different women.
The announcement followed a police investigation that lasted more than three years. During that time, law enforcement in the UK reportedly gathered evidence, conducted interviews, and worked closely with the CPS to determine whether there was enough material to formally bring the charges to court. Now, the legal process will move forward, and the case will be handled in the UK’s criminal justice system.
The news marks a turning point in a case that had been rumored for months but had remained largely out of the public spotlight due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. With the charges now filed, Thomas Partey will need to respond in court, beginning what may be a long and complex legal battle.
Personal Life in the Spotlight
The criminal charges came at a deeply sensitive moment in Partey’s personal life. Reports had suggested that he was planning to get married on Saturday, July 6, just one day after the CPS announced the charges.
The bride-to-be was said to be Janine Mackson, an English model and social media influencer, with whom Partey has been in a relationship for some time. The two reportedly got engaged in mid-2024, and earlier that year, they welcomed their first child, a daughter.
Their relationship became widely known to the public when Thomas Partey introduced Mackson and their baby daughter to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after a game in the 2023–2024 football season. That moment was captured by television cameras and went viral on social media, especially after Arsenal narrowly missed winning the league title.
Since then, the couple has been fairly public about their relationship, occasionally sharing photos and moments together on social media. In June 2025, Janine Mackson posted several photos from what appeared to be her bachelorette celebration in Ibiza. In the caption, she wrote “A weekend full of love,” which many took as confirmation that the wedding was on track.
What Happens to the Wedding?
As of Thursday, July 4, sources close to the situation confirmed that Thomas Partey was in Spain, presumably for the wedding. However, it is still unclear whether the ceremony actually took place or was cancelled or postponed due to the serious charges announced just one day earlier.
The couple has not made any public statements about the wedding plans since the news broke. There have been no official confirmations or denials about whether the event went ahead.
Given the emotional and legal weight of the situation, many observers have speculated that the wedding may have been put on hold, though this remains unconfirmed. The uncertainty around the wedding has added yet another layer of complexity to what is already a highly sensitive and controversial moment in Partey’s life.
End of Arsenal Career
In addition to the personal turmoil and legal trouble, Thomas Partey’s professional career has also reached a significant turning point. Just four days before the CPS announcement, his contract with Arsenal Football Club expired, officially marking the end of his time with the Premier League side.
Partey had joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atlético Madrid and played as a central midfielder for the North London club. During his five-year stint at Arsenal, he became known for his defensive strength and passing ability, although his time at the club was also marked by injuries.
With his contract now over, Partey is technically a free agent, meaning he is no longer tied to any football club. This development adds another layer of uncertainty to his future, as the legal proceedings may impact whether other clubs are willing to sign him in the near term.
Neither Arsenal nor the Premier League has issued an official statement in response to the charges or his departure from the club. It is also unclear whether Partey was offered a contract extension before the end of his deal or whether he had already planned to leave the club.
Response from Partey’s Legal Team
So far, Thomas Partey has not made any direct public comments about the charges. However, his legal team issued a formal statement through Sky News, strongly denying all the allegations.
The statement read:
“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”
The statement is meant to affirm Partey’s position that he has done nothing wrong and that he intends to fight the allegations through the court system. His legal team has emphasized that he has consistently cooperated with the investigation and is ready to defend himself in the proper legal forum.
Public and Media Reaction
The news has quickly spread through both sports media and the general public, causing widespread reactions. Fans, analysts, and commentators have expressed shock over the timing and seriousness of the charges.
Some have pointed to the unfortunate overlap between what was expected to be a joyous personal milestone and the beginning of what could become a difficult and drawn-out legal case. Others have raised questions about how the football world should handle such situations when serious allegations come to light, especially regarding high-profile players.
It’s also likely that the case will prompt renewed discussions about how clubs, agents, and sponsors should respond when athletes face criminal accusations. The issue is further complicated by the fact that Partey, until now, has not been found guilty of any crime, and under the law, he remains innocent until proven guilty.
What Comes Next?
With the charges now officially filed, the case will move forward through the UK court system. It is expected that a court date will be scheduled soon, where Partey will formally respond to the accusations. This could lead to a full trial, depending on how the proceedings develop.
Because of the legal process, it is unlikely that Partey or his representatives will provide many updates in the near future. Legal experts have noted that public comment can sometimes interfere with ongoing investigations or court cases, so most of the developments may happen behind closed doors for now.
In the meantime, Thomas Partey’s football career, public image, and personal life all remain in a state of uncertainty. As the case progresses, fans and observers will be watching closely to see how the legal system handles the allegations, and what the long-term impact will be for one of Ghana’s most recognized footballers.
